Colorado athletic director Mike Bohn announced this morning that Dan Hawkins has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the football team immediately.

Long-time assistant coach Brian Cabral, 54, will serve as interim head coach the remainder of this season.

Former CU coach Bill McCartney, 70, will be a candidate to succeed Hawkins. But, Bohn told The Denver Post today that he's not interested in hiring a coach who would groom his heir apparent.

"I wouldn't say we wouldn't do it, but it doesn't appear to make a lot of sense for us at this point," Bohn said. "We want to establish one person in charge. It's important that the person is set up in a leadership role."

Hawkins was hired on Dec. 16, 2005. He finished his career with a 19-39 record.

LIVE FROM NEWS CONFERENCE

Unlike last Tuesday when there were perhaps 10 media members at the weekly news conference, at least 10 times that many were at the Dal Ward Center at today's announcement.

Before taking the podium, Bohn and Hawkins shook hands and Hawkins went up to address the media alone.

"I know it's been a tough time for every Buff faithful," Hawkins opened.

He went on to thank a number of CU officials, as well as the boosters who helped improve the program, and even the guys who take care of the field.

Hawkins took nearly 10 minutes to thank everyone around the university.

"They, like the rest, of wish we had more wins," Hawkins said.

Hawkins moves on

Hawkins said he talked with the players before and after practice this morning.

"There is way too much negativity around the program. I respect Mike and his decision. ... And so I think it's important to move on and garner some energy," Hawkins said. "I hope Buff Nation shows up and supports these guys."

Hawk has left the building

And with that, Hawkins was gone. He did not take questions from the media after speaking for nearly 20 minutes, including quoting Mark Twain.

"So, that brings to a close the Hawk chapter but opens the national championship chapter that's right around the corner," Hawkins said.

He left the room as Bohn took the stage.

Bohn talks negatives

Bohn said he met Sunday night with Hawkins. With the pressure after the Kansas loss, Bohn said it was time for a change.

"Really ending the negativity is really what it's all about," Bohn said about making the decision now. He did not want to go into the last two home games "with a negative flare in the air."

McCartney comes up

When asked about McCartney, Bohn said the former CU coach is a possibility as the next coach.

"Bill McCartney is a viable candidate for us to consider, no question," Bohn said.

Bohn said the difference now versus when he hired Hawkins is "pulling together resources to make the coach more successful." He talked about the contract limitations with assistant coaches.

When asked directly about McCartney for the job, Bohn said "I think it would be unfair to get into specifics of any candidate at this time."

Getting the money

Bohn said until he gets more fan support and funding, Colorado is not a school that can spend the large amounts that other schools spend on head-coach salaries.

Brian Cabral will take over as interim coach. (RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post)

"We're not a $4 million institution," Bohn said. "Would I like to get there? Yes."

The cost for a new coach?

"I would be surprised if we're in a $2 million-plus market place," Bohn said. "I do believe we have a plan to address the assistant coaches' pool."

No timetable set

Bohn said the timetable is when they get the right coach for the right fit.

"That could be very quick, it could be extended beyond whatever that right date is," Bohn said.

Cabral takes his turn

Cabral, a longtime defensive player and coach, said his first practice this morning was interesting.

"For first time in my 22 years I saw the offense practice on the offense field," Cabral said. "My role is to calm the storm."

He has three goals: finish the semester strong (with academics); finish the season strong for the the seniors; rally "the Buff community around our seniors."

Cabral wants shot

Before taking questions, Cabral said he did not want to talk about the past. Cabral was very emotional when talking about the players and the assistant coaches.

"I'm looking forward. I'm not looking back," he said.

When asked if he would like to be the CU coach full-time, his answer was just "Yes, sir."

Cabral talks about caring

Numerous times, Cabral had to check his emotions and fight back tears.

"I care about this program. My heart bleeds black and gold. I care about the program, players, coaches and their families. And I know Hawk does too," Cabral said. "I've been through this before and I hate it. I don't like it."

Filling the gap

Cabral said he will do what he can to make an impression and be a leader. But being an interim coach is "not a good role, but hopefully these guys get something from me and we make the best of it."

"There's no question Hawk gave us everything he had. No question. It wasn't for a lack of trying."

Team captains talk

Scotty McKnight was the first player to address the media and talked about getting past the change.

"For me, Coach Hawkins was the first person to give me a shot to play Division I football. ... My heart is with Coach Hawk," McKnight said.

As for trying to regroup for Saturday's game against Iowa State, the players said they have to block out the problems.

"You have to roll on with it," offensive lineman Nate Solder said.

Cody Hawkins knows business

The coach's son and Buffs quarterback Cody Hawkins stood in the back of the room and listened as his teammates talked about the program without Dan Hawkins. Bohn went up to Cody and escorted him to the front of the room. They talked quietly as the players finished taking questions from the media.

"Through my career at Colorado, I've learned a lot, but I know a lot about college football and I know how it goes," Cody Hawkins said. "He called me in his office Sunday night and told me.

"There are a lot of great guys in the business who get put out on the street. ... I have the greatest dad in the world, I thought he handled it all very, very will."

Cody is all in for last few games

Hawkins said when he signed his letter of intent "nowhere did it say I signed to play with Dan Hawkins. I came to play at Colorado."

Cody went on to say he wants to finish strong and never thought of leaving the program. He said he will be interested to see what disguise his father will wear in two weeks when it is Senior Night.

"Chewbacca is an option. Maybe Inspector Gadget," Hawkins joked.

He also added that it will be interesting to see what it's like to play a college football game and "not be called the coach's son."

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